Toyota continues to develop their partner robot initiative. Demographics in Japan make a compelling case for the need to provide solutions to those who need assistance to support independent living.

The aim is to contribute to the maintenance and improvement of quality of life.

In cooperation of the Yokohama Rehabilitation Center, Toyota conducted experiments for disabled people, using HSR in their homes, in 2011. Toyota has been integrating the feedback to the design, based on actual user experience.

The Human Support Robot (HSR) can pick up something on and bring it to the person. Also it can do small tasks such as opening the curtains.

Controlling the robot can be done easily, by using the voice recognition function or using a tablet control. In addition, Toyota is designing it to directly assist the person, helping them get into and out of a bathtub, for example.

They are also developing new features for remote viewing and remote operation (to provide off site help to make the robot more useful). They are working with health care professionals, including nurses, and research institutions aimed at practical use for such a robot.

Hmmm…blind people being guided by robots instead of seeing-eye dogs, for example. Seems kind of cold and impersonal compared to the warmth and companionship offered by a dog. Then again, robots will be able to help with a lot more tasks than even the most highly trained assistance dog ever could. Technology marches on.

Seth September 28th, 2012 @ 12:55 pm

Yes, this could really help a lot but in some ways this could be a threat to our healthcare workers. But still nothing beats a personal care and touch.

Shaun September 28th, 2012 @ 10:26 pm

Reminds me of Omnibot 2000 in the 80’s. These things still have a long way to go.

donna October 1st, 2012 @ 6:32 am

Well that sounds like a wonderful idea but just thinking about it can a robot really be able to lead a blind person around and can it do a better job then a dog. So how will that person control it around the house? And will it be able to respond when you call it? There are so many unanswered question about this robot.

James October 4th, 2012 @ 4:20 am

Technology seems to be the only service provided with the only drawback that it wants money. However for a physical handicap no amount of money can help, and a robot is actually helpful in doing small things in daily life. So according to me, this is a brilliant invention, kudos to technology.

Olan October 31st, 2012 @ 9:37 am

Although robots are helpful, I don’t think they can fully replace humans when it comes to health care. Robots have no way to show empathy to patients which is something they really need.

Robots in health care? that’s nice but what is supposed to happen to professionals? Robots can’t give what these nurses offer like the emotional connection. Robots should only help these professionals but not replace them.

Iren Parusheva January 6th, 2013 @ 6:31 pm

It is good that they invest money in such products that is why Toyota is one of the leading companies in the world

Shomaz ul Haq August 19th, 2013 @ 9:46 am

Hi. I have just one word for these HSR’s. WOW! Companies like Toyota should keep on spending on R&D. Though they won’t be able give old and disabled people emotional comfort at least they won’t be depended on human error and inefficiency. There is no reason to assume that the healthcare industry should be finished. It can continue along with technology.

Its great to see that robots are getting more and more dependable. If programmed properly with extreme precision then they can be better than humans. But I agree with some commentators that they can not provide the emotional support which a human being can provide.